Eurail was established in 1959 as a way to organize Europe's large network of train and shipping companies into one large body. Prior to this point, traveling by train required purchasing tickets and paying for surcharges at each stop. The Eurail Group, created in 2001, is the main marketing and management sector of Eurail. It makes sure that Eurail traveling remains easy and open to all people.
Eurail's primary function is to make traveling easy and safe. It provides passes that allow travelers access to most railways, including some shipping lines. Prices are often set to fixed amounts. Eurail makes it easy for tourists to visit many different countries during a short amount of time. This, along with the implementation of the Euro currency, creates a very accessible Europe.
A variety of passes are available that fit different kinds of traveling situations. Travelers can get passes that correlate with specific countries. Groups can purchase discounted passes, with the price depending on the size of the group. Young travelers can purchase tickets with youth discounts and buy special unlimited travel packages. Most Eurail passes provide for free inner-city train transportation--though some private trains such as Eurostar, TGV and Thalys may require an additional fee.
The Eurail consists of 20 European countries including the Netherlands, along with popular vacation spots such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Tourists can purchase a Eurail Selectpass if they want to visit a specific group of bordering countries. Many of Europe's most historic and scenic rail lines are available through the Eurail pass. Some of the most beautiful routes include the Romsdal railway, the Oslo-Bergen railway, the Glacier Express, the West Highland Railway and the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Eurail has helped to revive train transportation in Europe. It has also helped to keep some of the older historic trains alive and running. Tourists now have additional incentive to see more of Europe rather than one or two countries. By creating a smooth network of shipping and domestic traveling, Eurail has helped the European economy expand.
